If you spent any time watching UPN in the late '90s or early 2000s, you definitely know the face. You might know him as "T," the smooth-talking, slightly goofy, and incredibly loyal friend to Kim Parker and Stevie Van Lowe. But the man behind the character, Kenneth Lawson—known to many in the music world as Ken L—was doing a lot more than just playing a sidekick.
Honestly, it’s rare for a sitcom to have a secondary character that feels so essential to the show's DNA. Ken L on The Parkers wasn't just there to fill space in the student union; he was the heartbeat of the show’s younger demographic. While Nikki and Professor Oglevee were doing their cat-and-mouse routine, T was the one keeping things grounded for the college crew.
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Who Was Thaddeus "T" Radcliffe?
Basically, Ken Lawson played Thaddeus Tyrell Radcliffe, Jr., better known simply as "T." He was the quintessential college friend. He was flirtatious, sure, but he wasn't a jerk. He was talented, but he wasn't arrogant.
Most people remember him as a member of Free Style Unity, the musical group within the show. This wasn't just a plot device. Ken L is a real-life rapper and musician, and the show leaned heavily into his actual skills. It gave the series a layer of authenticity that other "Black sitcoms" of the era sometimes lacked. You weren't just watching an actor pretend to rhyme; you were watching a performer who lived that life.
He appeared in over 100 episodes. That’s a massive run. From 1999 to 2004, he was a constant presence in our living rooms. It's wild to think about how much the landscape of TV has changed since then, but the chemistry of that specific cast—Mo'Nique, Countess Vaughn, Jenna von Oÿ, and Ken—remains top-tier.
The Ken L and Ken Lawson Connection
There is often a bit of confusion about his name. On the credits, you see Ken Lawson. In the music credits and on certain records, it’s Ken L. Born Kenyatta Lawson in West Covina, California, he brought a specific West Coast energy to the role of T.
He didn't just stumble into The Parkers. He had already put in work on shows like In the House and Moesha. By the time the Moesha spin-off happened, he was a seasoned pro.
One thing that kinda gets overlooked is his versatility. Most sitcom stars get stuck in one lane. But Ken L was balancing a rap career with a high-profile TV gig. He was signed to labels like Death Row Records (later in its timeline) and Immortal Records. Think about that for a second. Being on a UPN sitcom by day and navigating the rap industry by night is a crazy contrast.
Why the Character Still Matters in 2026
We are currently seeing a massive resurgence in nostalgia for the "UPN Era." Streaming services have brought The Parkers to a whole new generation. People are rediscovering T and realizing he was actually the most "normal" person in the room.
- He was a supportive male friend: In an era where male characters were often written as either "the lover" or "the clown," T was a genuine friend to Kim and Stevie.
- The Musical Legacy: The songs from the show still pop up on TikTok and Reels. "Free Style Unity" has a cult following.
- The Style: Let’s talk about the fashion. The baggy jeans, the jerseys, the hats—Ken L was the embodiment of 2000s street style.
What Happened After The Parkers?
When the show ended in 2004, a lot of fans wondered where he went. He didn't disappear; he just moved differently. He stayed active in the industry, even if he wasn't on a major network sitcom every week.
He eventually reunited with his Parkers co-star, Dorien Wilson (who played Professor Oglevee), on the Bounce TV show In the Cut. Seeing them back together was a huge "if you know, you know" moment for long-time fans. He also showed up in the BET drama The Oval and even did some sci-fi work in the 2024 film Lumina.
It’s actually pretty impressive. A lot of child and teen stars from that era struggled to find a second act. Ken Lawson managed to keep his head down and keep working.
Real Talk: The "T" Radcliffe Legacy
The impact of Ken L on The Parkers is really about representation of a specific type of Black youth. He wasn't a stereotype. He was a kid from the neighborhood who wanted to make music and go to college. He ended the series by going off to the Berklee College of Music. That’s a huge "win" for a character who started as just a flirtatious friend.
How to Appreciate His Work Today
If you’re looking to dive back into his career or see what he’s up to now, here are a few things you should actually do:
- Re-watch the "Free Style Unity" episodes: Seriously, look for the musical performances. You’ll see the difference between "sitcom acting" and a real artist at work.
- Check out "In the Cut": If you want to see the "grown-up" version of that sitcom energy, his chemistry with Dorien Wilson is still there.
- Follow the music: Look up Ken L’s discography. It gives you a much better perspective on who he is as a creator outside of the character of T.
- Support independent Black media: Shows like The Parkers succeeded because they had a loyal audience. Supporting current platforms that host these shows ensures they stay available for the next generation.
Ken Lawson’s journey from a West Covina kid to a UPN staple and a consistent working actor is a blueprint. He didn't need to be the lead to be the person everyone remembered. Sometimes, being the "secret weapon" is the best way to build a career that actually lasts.